​​Be truthful, gentle and fearless

​​WHAT IS THE IBOGAINE STUDY?

The Ibogaine Study is an undertaking to understand the specific state of consciousness induced by the entheogenic substance Ibogaine. An entheogen is any substance that is used in the religious context for a spiritual purpose. Ibogaine is also considered a hallucinogen as it does not cause physical addiction, cravings or other major psychological disturbances - quite the opposite actually. Ibogaine reliably produces thought, mood and perceptual changes rarely otherwise experienced.

Ibogaine has been thought to resemble REM sleep, although there is also evidence of the suppression of REM sleep during ibogaine. The Ibogaine state of consciousness has also been likened to a state called oneirophrenia, or waking dream, which only describes the Ibogaine experience in part. A more accurate way to describe the Ibogaine experience could be through the lens of holotropic states of consciousness. Holotropic states are characterised by the transformation of consciousness involving dramatic perceptual changes in the senses, accompanied by intense and unusual emotions, followed by profound alterations in thought processes. While in this state, the person can experience an invasion of other dimensions which can be intense and overwhelming, while at the same time remaining fully orientated with reality.

The Ibogaine Study aims to explore this theory. The study also aims to investigate protocols for the integration of entheogenic experiences. The information forms part of the requirement for a PhD in Psychology through Canterbury Christchurch University which involves a comprehensive review of the academic and anecdotal literature on Ibogaine, a small-scale research project, a large-scale research project and a handbook produced for Ibogaine practitioners. The study will primarily investigate western perspectives on Ibogaine, but will also make reference to experiences in the traditional context.